As businesses re-open, it is likely that new cases will arise, as has been witnessed in other parts of the world where restrictions have been relaxed. A second (or even multiple) wave is a very real threat. Companies must have a response plan – a rigorous testing protocol (for presence of the virus) to ensure that employers can test, track and trace cases as they arise.   

Businesses must also understand that they have legal responsibilities under Public Health England’s (PHE) guidance. The Private Harley Street Clinic has created a free guide which gives businesses advice on how to manage their return to work strategy, and fulfil their obligations under PHE.

“Organisations have a legal and moral responsibility to provide a safe return to work programme for employees,” stated by Dr Mark Ali, Medical Director of the Private Harley Street Clinic, and a Cardiothoracic Surgeon of 30 years’ experience. “This involves having a robust clinical testing programme, underpinned by PHE principles. The importance of an app for test and trace is vital as the virus explodes in clusters. It is extremely important that companies set out a clear vision for safe return to work and establish an empathetic open dialogue with employees.”

The most important 5 steps for a safe return include:

1. Clinical testing strategy
   “Test, test, test,” said the Director-General of the WHO early on. Those countries with widespread rigorous testing have fared much better, and it is clear that testing will be an ever-present vital part of managing risk and response to outbreaks. It is here to stay.Only use approved tests (antigen and antibody tests that are approved by Public Health England) with results interpreted and acted on in line with government guidance. You can test employees for presence of the virus prior to re-entering the workplace (currently performed by a PCR test on a swab sample). This testing would be part of an ongoing programme to detect and respond to cases and minimise transmission. For more information about testing kits, visit MyBioSource.
2. Test and trace – apps
   In addition to the NHS’ own track and trace app, corporations should consider bringing in their own sophisticated tracking apps. The clinic uses a reliable dynamic solution that allows companies to quickly react in case of infection, without the need to lock down the whole office or building. This app use standalone wearable technology (rather than a smart phone) and has improved indoor accuracy which stays attached to the employee all day. Information is stored locally creating a company-wide tracking system. It can be given to visitors and is highly accurate.     
3. Workplace modifications
   Many employees are not currently eligible for NHS testing. Businesses should consider using private testing that follows government guidelines. The testing programme should be robust with protocols that are bespoke to the specific organisation and different groups within the company depending on exposure risk. Some may wish to swab high risk employees at a regular frequency, irrespective of symptoms, as it is well recognised that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread are great drivers of the disease. Imperial College analysis suggests that testing healthcare workers once weekly would reduce transmission by a further 16-23% on top of self-isolation based on symptoms. The Premier league, for example, aims to reassure players by testing with swabs twice a week. Care homes in the USA now swab staff twice weekly. Alternatively, for employees without customer-facing roles and lower risk activities, employers may choose to swab only in response to symptoms. This is in line with current practice for key workers. Employers may also consider swabbing unwell household contacts to minimise work lost due to quarantining.     
4. Education – ethics, legal, social responsibility      
   The government has already started to release guidelines for “covid-safe workplaces” and any return to work strategy must follow these. In addition, it is crucial for organisations to develop clinical strategies and protocols to safeguard employees, customers and clients on return to activity. Each organisation must have robust systems in place to monitor and respond to infection when it occurs. It is likely there will be a second (or even third) wave of infections and companies must be prepared to manage this. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
5. Compliance
   As a business you will need to get your people to buy into the concept of your return to work. Good and open communication should spell out the benefits and importance of your strategy. Make it easy for people by adding value and giving employees a service that is going to help them. Make use of good simple technology to make it easy for everyone to be compliant.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post The 5 most important steps for an effective return to work strategy appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Experts say businesses may have to compromise to help employees to feel comfortable in the office

Workplace design experts are predicting the coronavirus pandemic could prove a major challenge to the future of hotdesking.

Some of the biggest companies in the country have embraced hotdesking as a way of reducing office space, embracing flexible working, utilising new technology and reducing overheads. Whilst being a hugely successful rollout, how much will things need to change back in the future?

Having spent so long persuading employees to give up their desks and introducing ‘clear desk’ policies to remove personal items such as photographs and memorabilia, the occurrence of the coronavirus pandemic has created a new hurdle.

Ashley Lawrence, Head of Interiors at Crown Workspace, national experts in workplace change, believes the pandemic will have a significant impact on what will make employees feel happy and safe at work.

He said: “The recent trend in the workspace has been all about hotdesking and open offices but businesses may now have to think about what people will want when we all, eventually, get back to work after the lockdown.

“It’s going to be a bitter pill to swallow for some employers because a lot of money has been spent on the hotdesking project, but I think they will find they won’t have a choice but to make changes if they want to keep their best talent.

“When people have been used to social distancing and staying 2m apart, the idea of going into an office and sharing a desk space with dozens of colleagues is going to feel like a daunting challenge.”

Ashley believes there are solutions and compromises, however, that can ensure hotdesking is not made totally impossible, so that all the great projects that have been completed over the last few years were not in vain.

He says compromises could include:

· Extended height wipeable privacy screens to protect workstations.
· Using desk materials with antibacterial properties that are easy to clean and maintain.
· Setting up a cleaning system, so desks are regularly sanitised, and having the equipment available for self-cleaning prior to use.
· Clear desk policies making cleaning quicker and more efficient.
· Baseless monitor mounts, so there are less bacteria traps.
· Advanced, properly maintained air conditioning such as Ultraviolet systems.
· Fresh natural air, utilising office plants and windows.
· Reduce wasted space and plan the office so there is less front on working using a zigzag formation.

“I’m sure that this pandemic is going to have a big influence on office design one way or another,” said Ashley.

“Designers will be looking for smooth surfaces, without patterns or ridges, that are easy to clean. There will be more use of laminates and of high-tech carpets which don’t cling on to dust and germs. We will undoubtedly see new products on the market for this exact reason.

“The same goes for fabrics used in curtains and blinds, even cleanable wallpaper and anti-bacterial ceiling tiles.

“These are all important issues because people have got used to working at home and if employers want to tempt people back into the office, they will need to create an environment they feel happy in.”

One important factor that he predicts will not be compromised, however, is sustainability.

Ashley said: “The pandemic has been like a reset button for humanity. The positive impact our absence has had on the world around is clear to see. It’s made us all think about what matters and that will only strengthen resolve to be sustainable in future and the circular economy principles will be at the heart of that.

“The public will want the environment to be considered in everything that businesses do, and that includes the design of the workspace and how employees are expected to work. There are some big changes ahead for all of us.”

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Why Coronavirus Could Challenge The Future Of The Workplace appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

The future of work is here, but is your business ready? Technology continues to improve year upon year. This is especially true within the networking sector. While these improvements can make running a business much more efficient and effective, a large number of businesses are yet to implement them into their operations.

Here, we’ll look at what the future of work is and how your business can embrace it.

What is the future of work?

The future of work relates to the digitalisation of the workplace and the steps that need to be taken to improve current challenges. Workers are currently frustrated with the amount of unfulfilling smaller tasks that take up their time. Improvements within technology have provided solutions to the frustrating challenges workers are facing. However, businesses are being slow to adopt them.

So, the future of work relates to making the changes necessary to provide a better way of working. A recent report by Workfront, discovered that a staggering 90% of workers in the UK are craving the introduction of modern technology into the workplace.

Utilising the right data

One way that businesses can get ready for the future of work, is by ensuring they are utilising the right data. Better, faster decisions can be made with real-time data. A lot of issues often present themselves when decisions are based on assumptions instead of solid data.

When you’re using data correctly, it can help you to actively manage your workload, identify problem areas and ensure you are reaching the right customers.

Invest in a solid network

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to embrace the future of work, is to ensure you’re investing in a solid network. You’ll need network services that are reliable and secure.

While high-quality networks do cost money, they can actually save you money in the long term. This is because they can significantly reduce downtime, as well as keep your workers happier. Networks today are intelligent and flexible, able to adapt and change to fit your business needs.

These are just some of the ways you can embrace the future of work. Ensuring your business is utilising the latest technology is key to pushing he company forward. The future of work is here, but are you prepared? If not, now is the time to start future proofing the business and addressing the challenges your workers are currently facing.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Is Your Business Ready for the Future of Work? appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

The way we think about work is changing rapidly. Stability, structure and ‘a job for life’ are becoming obsolete concepts, with Millennials seeking out environments that give them a sense of purpose and help them learn and grow. Work has gone from somewhere we GO to something we DO – and companies urgently need to redesign their work architecture to keep up.

Why this book matters:

• Written by international workforce design and talent acquisition expert Bruce Morton – who has been helping organisations around the world rethink the way work works for the last 40 years!
• 87% of Millennials’ top priority is to learn and grow – the youngest in the workforce expect different things from their careers, including fun, development, and purpose.
• Flexibility and a strong work ethic are not mutually exclusive – In order to attract and retain top talent, brands need to change their work structure to fit around employee lives.
• The rise of the ‘talentsumer’ – We need to start viewing employees as consumers of work. They expect the same level of service as they do from their favourite consumer brands.
• Role reversal between the recruiter and the candidate – Candidates are now in the hiring seat, and recruiters need to step up their game to recruit and retain the best talent.
• Companies now need a Work Design Architect – A designated person who understands, designs, and gives strategic advice on the best way to get work done.

Redesigning the Way Work Works is a guide to helping businesses keep employees happy and retain the best talent, written by talent acquisition and work design expert Bruce Morton.

Although the expectations of employees have changed, many companies still cling to old ideas of how the relationship between employees and work should be, something the author of the book describes as the biggest ‘company culture’ myths.

Redesigning the Way Work Works dismisses some of these myths, which include:

• Recruiters AREN’T in the hiring seat – Recruiting top talent is getting harder, and candidates are now the ones choosing where to work. Employers need to offer more to their staff to persuade candidates to choose them.
• Millennials AREN’T job hoppers – Millennials are not job hoppers – they just seek employment which gives them purpose and helps them grow and seek it elsewhere if their needs aren’t met.
• Flexible working DOESN’T mean low work ethic – Workers do better in jobs that can adapt to their lifestyle. Flexible working needs to be offered to employees to offer a greater work-life balance and keep them satisfied.
• Companies DON’T have a full picture on how they are getting work done today. They need the ability to take the organization’s business objectives and turn those goals into a structured workforce architecture and framework.

Redesigning the Way Work Works is a guide to creating a company culture that responds to employee needs. Through redesigning work architecture, businesses can meet employee expectations, compete against other employers, attract the best talent, and create a thriving company culture.

The author

Bruce Morton is a distinguish thought-leader and global innovator with over 40 years’ experience. A renowned international speaker, Bruce has stimulated audiences across Europe, US, and Asia with his fresh and innovative approach to acquiring top talent. Bruce has designed, implemented and managed some of the largest resourcing solutions across many different parts of the globe, saving companies millions of dollars whilst securing the very best talent.

Bruce currently serves as Head of Strategy for Allegis Global Solutions. He was promoted from Head of Innovation in January 2018. This role concentrates on adding increased value to clients from new services and product idea generation, digital transformation, internal and external thought leadership and face to the industry through conferences and speaking engagements. Bruce’s latest innovation is that of a dynamic integrated technology platform that, for the first time, integrates top-of-class digital recruitment technologies that create engaged living talent communities.

• Redesigning the way work works
• By Bruce Morton
• Out Now
• Paperback Version: £21.10

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Redesigning The Way ‘Work’ Works: The Book That Delves Into The Jobs Of The Future appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.